CITY HALL NEEDS TO WAKE UP ON STADIUM ISSUE, AND REAL SOON

“The Convention Center expansion doesn’t have to be contiguous; that’s a total lie,” says someone close to the situation (not Fabiani or a member of the Chargers). “Even if you take the Chargers out of this completely, you’re looking at a total catastrophe if the city’s plan goes through. We have experts and engineers who say it isn’t going to work.

“They built a beautiful terminal, but on the wrong side of the airport. Now this. I can’t tell you how many people don’t think it will work, but they allowed labor to just push it through. It’s just terrible land use, blocking the waterfront and the bayside park.

“From a land-use perspective, we know this is a stupid way to expand the Convention Center. The Chargers’ proposal makes more sense. It pulls activity into the community, rather than the railroad tracks. Remember all the crap about Comic-Con leaving? Totally fabricated. Comic-Con never was leaving; it’s going nowhere.

“The lack of scrutiny on this thing is mind-boggling. Do we know the Convention Center is not able to operate to full capacity during Padres home games? Do we know there’s a 30-percent hold in the financing of the Convention Center expansion? The new proposal can be financed without hotel tax. It could be dynamic, really exciting and cool and much more marketable. The economics of it are compelling and the Chargers will be an asset rather than a liability. But I don’t know if there is one creative mind down there.”

This is a wise man talking here. And here’s another, Fred Maas, former head of the Centre City Development Corp. and an assistant to former mayor Jerry Sanders on new stadium issues.

“The proposed alternative seems to be a plausible argument,” Maas says. “Look what our smaller brethren, like Seattle and Denver, are doing. The letters that have been sent are worth considering. We’re looking at an incredible engine for downtown, and we should figure out a solution for the 10th Avenue Terminal.

“Qualcomm Stadium is embarrassing. It’s not safe. As it is, billions are about to be spent on a high-speed rail system that isn’t going to work. I think it’s great that Colony guys have teamed with the Chargers. A major step. Colony’s absolutely first rate. With the economy back, now is the time. The Chargers have gotten a bum rap.

“There’s got to be a way. I refuse to accept the notion that it can’t be done. Where have all the smart people gone?”

Well, I just spoke to three of them. City Hall needs to grow a pair — of eyes and ears.